Hi Marcie,
We have taken a couple of cruises from Southampton and stayed 2/3 days pre cruise and really enjoyed it. It is a very busy port town and most people only see the cargo and industrial areas around the dock as they arrive/leave for their cruise.
You can do day trips from here to some lovely places....
Isle of Wight.
Winchester.
Portsmouth.
Bath, if you want to venture a bit further.
The South Coast of England at that time of the year is lovely.
